Is Webster Groves Safe, Pros and cons of living in Webster Groves

Webster Groves, a charming suburb located just west of St. Louis, Missouri, offers a compelling blend of historic character and modern amenities. Its tree-lined streets and well-preserved architecture contribute to a welcoming atmosphere, while its proximity to major highways and public transportation ensures convenient access to the greater metropolitan area. This makes it an attractive option for professionals, families, and individuals seeking a high quality of life.

The community is recognized for its strong sense of place, boasting vibrant business districts, ample green spaces, and a commitment to community events. These factors combine to create an environment that is both engaging and family-friendly, drawing residents who appreciate a well-rounded lifestyle. The city’s strategic location and desirable living conditions have cemented its reputation as a premier place to reside within the St. Louis region.

Is it Safe to Live in Webster Groves?

Webster Groves is generally considered a safe community, with a crime rate that is significantly lower than both the national and St. Louis city averages. The overall crime index is reported to be 48% below the national average, and 66% lower than the St. Louis average (as reported by DoorProfit). This safety is further underscored by a crime safety grade of A+ as of May 2026 (as reported by DoorProfit).

Residents’ chances of becoming a victim of crime in Webster Groves are low. The city experiences an average of 0.49 daily crimes per 100,000 residents, with only 0.08 violent incidents and 0.41 property-related offenses (as reported by AreaVibes). Specifically, violent crimes are 66% lower than the national average, and property crimes are 63.1% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

Housing Costs and Real Estate Market

Home Values

The real estate market in Webster Groves is characterized by high demand and strong property values. The median home value in Webster Groves is $387,600, which is higher than the national median of $332,700 (as reported by Niche). More recent data indicates that in March 2026, Webster Groves home prices were up 14.6% compared to the previous year, with a median sale price of $424,000 (as reported by Redfin).

The average home value in Webster Groves is $438,955 as of March 31, 2026, showing a 4.2% increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow). This robust market means that while property values are high, they are also stable and tend to appreciate, making it a sound investment for homeowners (as reported by Movoto).

Rental Market

For those considering renting, Webster Groves offers a variety of options. The median gross rent in Webster Groves is $1,650 per month (as reported by Point2Homes), with the average rent for an apartment being $1,467 per month as of May 2026 (as reported by Apartments.com). This is lower than the national average rent price of $1,642 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).

Rental prices vary by unit size, with studios averaging around $1,380 per month, one-bedroom apartments at $1,467, and two-bedroom apartments at approximately $1,902 (as reported by Apartments.com). Three-bedroom rentals can be found for $2,513 or more per month (as reported by Apartments.com). While the median listing price for homes is around $349.9K, the median rental price is approximately $2.0K per month (as reported by realtor.com®).

Cost of Living and Economic Landscape

Cost of Living Index

Webster Groves presents a cost of living that is slightly higher than the national average. The overall cost of living index is 113, indicating it is 13% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This is also 13% more expensive than the average city in Missouri (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).

Housing costs are a significant factor, being 58.1% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). However, certain costs like sales tax and state income tax in Missouri are lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

Income and Employment

The median household income in Webster Groves is substantial, reflecting the area’s affluence. The median household income is $115,227 (as reported by Point2Homes), which is significantly higher than the Missouri state median income (as reported by Movoto). The average annual salary in Webster Groves is reported at $47,853 (as reported by ZipRecruiter), although other sources place the average salary for jobs in Webster Groves, Missouri, at $67,808 per year (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert).

The unemployment rate in Webster Groves is low, at 2.5% (as reported by Niche). Major employers in the area include Webster University, the Webster Groves School District, and Lutheran Senior Services (as reported by Lensa). The primary industries contributing to the local economy include educational services, professional services, and health care and social assistance (as reported by Business Scene).

Demographics and Community Profile

Population and Age Distribution

Webster Groves has a population of approximately 23,712 residents, according to the most recent Census data (as reported by Point2Homes). The population density is around 4,062.6 inhabitants per square mile (as reported by Wikipedia). The median age in Webster Groves is 40.3 years (as reported by Webster Groves, MO Population 2026), with a distribution showing 23.9% of residents under 18 and 20.4% aged 65 or older (as reported by Wikipedia).

The gender distribution shows slightly more females than males, with 53.8% female and 46.2% male (as reported by Point2Homes). The population has remained relatively stable, indicating enduring appeal (as reported by Movoto).

Racial and Ethnic Makeup

Webster Groves is a predominantly White community. Caucasians make up approximately 81.9% of the locals, with African Americans at 5.3%, and those with Asian roots at 1.8% (as reported by Point2Homes). Other racial groups, including those of two or more races, constitute the remaining percentage (as reported by Point2Homes). This demographic makeup is consistent with data from other sources, showing around 81% White, 5% African American, and smaller percentages for other races (as reported by Niche).

Education Levels

Educational attainment is notably high among Webster Groves residents. Approximately 14.1% of the population has completed high school, while 17.9% have pursued college studies. A significant portion, 31.8%, holds a bachelor’s degree, and 30.1% have earned a master’s or doctorate degree (as reported by Point2Homes).

This high level of education is a hallmark of the community, with nearly 70% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and over 36% possessing a graduate degree (as reported by Movoto). All residents have at least a high school diploma (as reported by Movoto).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Temperatures and Seasons

Webster Groves experiences a climate with distinct seasons. Summers are hot and muggy, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 79°F from late May to mid-September (as reported by Weather Spark). July is typically the hottest month, with average highs around 89°F and lows of 70°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

Winters are cold and snowy, with average daily high temperatures falling below 50°F from late November to late February (as reported by Weather Spark). January is the coldest month, with average lows around 25°F and highs of 41°F (as reported by Weather Spark). Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 25°F to 89°F, rarely dropping below 9°F or exceeding 97°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

Precipitation and Humidity

The average annual precipitation in Webster Groves is 44 inches (as reported by Livability.com). Rainfall is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year, with May often being the wettest month, averaging about 5 inches of precipitation (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The area receives an average of 12 to 13 inches of snowfall annually (as reported by Livability.com and myPerfectWeather).

Humidity can be a factor during the summer months, particularly from July to August, when the air can feel uncomfortably humid (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The clearer part of the year generally runs from mid-June to late October, with August being the clearest month (as reported by Weather Spark).

Education System

School District Performance

The Webster Groves School District is highly regarded, consistently ranking among the top school districts in Missouri. For the 2026 school year, it serves approximately 4,366 students across 9 public schools (as reported by Public School Review). The district’s average testing ranking is an impressive 10/10, placing it in the top 5% of public schools in Missouri (as reported by Public School Review).

Students in the Webster Groves School District demonstrate strong academic performance, with an average math proficiency score of 65% and a reading proficiency score of 64% (as reported by Public School Review). These scores are significantly higher than the state averages of 40% for math and 43% for reading (as reported by Public School Review). The district also boasts a high graduation rate of 97% (as reported by Public School Review).

Top-Ranked Schools

Several schools within the Webster Groves School District have received national recognition for their quality. Avery Elementary School, Clark Elementary School, and Bristol Elementary School are among the top-ranked public schools in the district (as reported by Public School Review). Avery Elementary is particularly noted, ranking 5th out of 900 Missouri elementary schools for its high proficiency rates in math and English language arts (as reported by SchoolDigger).

At the secondary level, Hixson Middle School is ranked 17th out of 438 Missouri middle schools, and Webster Groves High School is ranked 18th out of 367 Missouri high schools (as reported by SchoolDigger). Webster Groves High School is also recognized for its excellent teachers, ranking 4th out of 480 public high schools in Missouri (as reported by Webster Groves High School).

Major Employers and Industries

Key Employers

Webster Groves is home to several significant employers that contribute to its robust economy. Among the largest are Webster University, the Webster Groves School District, and Lutheran Senior Services (as reported by Lensa and Planning & Economic Development). Other notable companies include Weekends Only Furniture & Mattress, Owen Development, and ICL Performance Products (as reported by Businesses).

These major employers provide a stable job market across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and retail. The presence of these established organizations offers diverse employment opportunities for residents within the community and the surrounding St. Louis metropolitan area.

Dominant Industries

The primary industries in Webster Groves are educational services, professional and technical services, and health care and social assistance (as reported by Business Scene). Educational services alone employ a substantial number of individuals, reflecting the importance of institutions like Webster University and the local school district.

The city’s strategic location and its highly educated workforce also support a thriving environment for professional services and other business sectors. This diverse economic base contributes to the overall stability and prosperity of Webster Groves.